I dont play private servers. I dont play SMRO but from what I was told, that server is up to date to kRO but the server population is around 1k'ish (lol?). It is a pure PvM server. Being said, contents/updates aint that relevant as we think they are. More proof? iRO got AOGH. iRO got 171. update. iRO got Illusion turtle dun. Then what? Still 800 - 1.2k online on iRO. Look at another server, NovaRO. It offers both PvM and WoE. Overall, a more balanced game consisted of two important game aspects. The server is probably the most populated private server out there (???), coming close to 3.5k - 4k online. Good job. Finally look at TwRO, an official server, that is behind kRO. By being behind kRO means TwRO technically should be behind some private servers in term of updates and game contents. As OP mentioned, TwRO is about to get level 200 update. Strangely enough, TwRO population is between 17k - 21k. These numbers are way higher than both SMRO's and NovaRO's. It makes me wonder though if TwRO has WoE. If so, how do they balance WoE and PvM. In iRO, for example, banning MvPs (or OCPs) probably wont work. As we already discussed, disabling them will make people quit. Improving WoE rewards will also make PvM people quit. Dont improve WoE rewards make WoE people quit lol
In short, whatever WP does, there will be unhappy people. We dont have to look too far. Just look at OCP example. Hard rates = People complained, hiatus. Easy rates = Everyone one shots, influx of PvM supplies, things dont sell, hiatus. iRO has become what it is now also has to do a lot with the majority of iRO cultures and players mentality as well. As Marty said, "All in all, to my own personal opinion and view, because we didn't take kRO albeit Gravity's guided hand, so we are at the state where they don't really feel like they want to push as much content on us". I also really agree with this statement too.
Being said, even if iRO finally receives the level 185 patch, most people will be max'ed in a week or something. Then what next? Semi hiatus again? ... nothing will really change. iRO should really bring out more in game events, ngl. Tbh, last turkey event was very good. Anyway, it would be awesome if we will actually get level 185 updates this mid Spring. Still wonder who said it and how did this person even know before the community as a whole lol